The closure of a mental health facility in Derry is to be opposed at the local council next week, Sinn Fein say.
Avoca Lodge, a supported living facility in Gransha for adults with mental health issues, is to be "stepped down" by the Western Trust.
In a briefing document published by the Trust last month, it was stated that the closure of the facility is "not deemed to be major or controversial" since those relying on the service would be relocated to "other suitable facilities nearby".
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But Sinn Fein is opposing the decision, saying it has caused "a huge deal of concern" to those relying on the facility, their families and the staff who work there.
Derry and Strabane councillor Emma McGinley is now calling for the council to back calls to overturn the Trust's decision. A motion to that effect is to be put forward next week.
The Sinn Fein councillor said: "The Western Health and Social Care Trust recently confirmed plans to close Avoca Lodge and move the service and staff to other facilities.
“This has obviously caused a huge deal of concern and distress to service users, their families and the staff who work there."
She continued: “We all know that mental health provision needs to be a priority in this city, given the clear extent of the need that exists so this decision seems to be completely out of step with addressing that need.
“We need more and better mental health provision, not less, so I have tabled a motion before Derry City and Strabane Council calling for this decision to be overturned."
Ms McGinley added: “I would urge all parties to back that motion and send a very strong message to the Western Trust that this city wants Avoca Lodge to remain open.”
In its briefing document, the Western Trust said that following a "period of engagement" with "staff, service users and families" it had "approved to proceed with the stepping down of Avoca Lodge as the change is not deemed to be major or controversial".
The document continues: "This will now involve relocating the service users to other suitable facilities nearby and deploying staff to other Supported Living facilities in the Trust.
"Our service user’s health and well-being is our priority and we will continue to support and engage with them and our staff throughout the transition."
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